Three Rotavirus Outbreaks in the Postvaccine Era - California, 2017

Burke et al cite that the introduction of vaccines against rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea among US children, has substantially reduced disease incidence. Rotavirus outbreaks in a child care center and an adult assisted living facility caused primarily mild illness. In a pediatric subacute care facility, illness was widespread and resulted in one death in a toddler with underlying complications. Rotavirus vaccination is most effective against severe disease. Vaccination reduces transmission and might confer indirect protection to unvaccinated individuals, but outbreaks will continue. Public health practitioners and clinicians should consider rotavirus in cases of acute gastroenteritis and promote rotavirus vaccination per CDC guidelines.